Isoko South Chairman Urges Calm Over Irri-Oando Protest

The Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area, Hon. Warri Ovoke Friday, has appealed for calm following a peaceful protest by residents of the Irri community against oil company Oando Plc over alleged neglect and unfulfilled commitments.

Speaking at the site of the protest at the Oando-operated Oil Flow Station in Irri, Hon. Warri urged demonstrators to maintain peace and allow time for proper engagement with the company, assuring them that their grievances had been escalated to relevant authorities.

“Oando has neglected this community for years, but we must not take the law into our hands,” he said. “Let us give them a window to respond. We are on a peace mission, and we are committed to ensuring your concerns are addressed.”
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The protest, led by community members including women and youths, was organized in response to what residents described as the company’s failure to honour a Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMOU) signed prior to Oando’s takeover from Agip. Protesters demanded electricity, infrastructure development, inclusion of indigenous contractors, and respect for traditional leadership.

The Odiologbo of Irri, HRM Simon Wajutome Odhomo, who also addressed the gathering, said the community had made several attempts to engage Oando through letters and meetings, with no meaningful response.

“They extract from our land, but we have seen no benefit. Not even a courtesy visit. We are giving them two weeks to respond, or we will consider further action,” the monarch said.

Also present was the commander of the 181 Battalion, Lt. Col. Dabo, who joined in urging residents to remain law-abiding while efforts to resolve the issues are underway.

The president general of Irri community accused Oando of using the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to avoid fulfilling prior agreements, saying the law does not excuse the company from engaging respectfully with the host community.

Despite the disruption of operations at the flow station, the protest remained peaceful.